Look To The Stars News: Grief Support

Celebrity Art Auction For WAVE

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 11:52:17 +0000

Artists and celebrities, such as Jude Law and Robbie Williams, have joined James Nesbitt to raise money for WAVE Trauma Centre.

Nesbitt is a leading organizer of WAVE’s celebrity art auction, in which professional and amateur artists are given a canvas and the opportunity to create a masterpiece.

John Hurt spent two weeks on a self-portrait that has been valued at £20,000 by the art curator at London’s Groucho Club.

There will be a public exhibition of up 300 pieces of the art at Belfast’s City Hall from the 24th-28th of April. The open auction will take place on April 28th at 7:30pm, and the event finishes with a gala ball on April 29th.

WAVE is a charity that supports people who are bereaved or traumatized by violence in Northern Ireland. To view the art online, or for more information on the fundraising event, visit the Art WAVE website.

Formula 1 Charity Auction Tops $10 Million

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:47:06 +0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The British Grand Prix weekend began earlier this month with performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall by Lemar and Beverley Knight, Mica Paris, Run DMC and Ronan Keating, followed by an auction to raise money for CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading children’s cancer charity. Over $10 million was raised, with Formula One memorabilia and a Pablo Picasso print among the top earners at the auction.

Alex Waters, 20-year-old British Formula 3 racing driver, raised over $350,000 when he auctioned 22 signed caricatures of leading F1 racers, drawn by their team mates. F1 Racing Magazine editor Matt Bishop says, “These drawings are a totally unique, highly collectible lot, and to our knowledge, this is the first time that a full complement of World Championship F1 drivers have penned sketches of each other and made the originals available as a complete set for charity.”

Mr Waters has pledged to donate half of all sponsorship money he raises to the children’s cancer charity that supported him and his family while he was being treated for cancer. Every day 10 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia in the UK.

Former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan thanked bidders for their generosity. “We promised that a centre would be opened in London to support those families touched by cancer and we are absolutely thrilled that our dream can now become a reality.”

Hilary Duff Dishes It Out at Homeless Shelter

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 17:03:34 +0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Singer Hilary Duff served up chicken and stew for hundreds of homeless and working poor men last week at Hope Mission's Herb Jamieson Center, a shelter in downtown Edmonton, Alberta. She stopped by the Center as part of her campaign to raise awareness about poverty and hunger.

“It’s nice when someone who makes a lot of money will look you in the eye and treat you like a real person,” Hope Mission spokeswoman Janelle Aker said, adding that Duff’s efforts could also help raise awareness with a younger demographic.

The pop star was in town as part of the Canadian leg of her North American Dignity tour, which kicked off last weekend. Duff is once again asking concert-goers to bring along non-perishable food donations to be collected at concert gates by The Salvation Army and distributed by food charity Harvest. Harvest chapters “collect surplus food from restaurants, grocery stores, and other food producers and immediately deliver it to missions, shelters, soup kitchens and food banks.” During her previous two Canadian tours, Duff raised over 125,000 pounds for Alberta Harvest. Harvest founder Stan Curtis says each concert can bring in as many as 3,000 cans of food, enough for 6,000 meals.  

Last November Duff bought 200,000 meals through USA Harvest for Hurricane Katrina refugees still in shelters over a year after the disaster. Curtis says, “Hilary has set an extraordinary example with her generous contributions to the Gulf Coast victims of (the) tragic hurricanes. With her current contribution, Hilary will have donated over 2.7 million meals to the victims who still need these generous donations.”

Even so, Duff says, “A big misconception of charity work and celebrities is that it takes a lot of money. It doesn’t take a lot of money. Your time is the best thing you can give.” She feels that with compassion, homelessness and hunger are simple to solve.

Duff plans to meet with fans before her August 25 concert in Louisville, Kentucky, and is asking her fans to help her raise 1,000 cans of food at the event.

Scarlett Johansson, Green Day and Goo Goo Dolls are also contributors to USA Harvest.

Jerry Lewis Tops Charity Survey

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 20:48:18 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A survey has named comedy actor Jerry Lewis as the most effective celebrity for charity causes, with 43% of those surveyed saying he is the best at raising funds and driving change for the issues he supports.

The survey, carried out by the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, put the 81 year old veteran of movies including “The Nutty Professor” at the top of a list of ten philanthropic celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, Michael J. Fox, Jimmy Carter, Bill Gates, Angelina Jolie, Bono, Lance Armstrong, Katie Couric, and Rosie O'Donnell.
Jerry Lewis helped establish the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 1952, and has organized and hosted a Labor Day Telethon every year since 1966. His fundraising efforts have raised over $2 billion for neuromuscular care and research, with last year’s telethon raising $61 million alone. He has also been involved with fundraising for The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. He is the only media celebrity to have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

“I’m always honored and humbled by the response of the American people to my efforts on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association,” said Lewis, who will host the 42nd Labor Day Telethon on September 2 and 3. “Their generosity has allowed us to provide important services and conduct vital research for 57 years.”

The survey also investigated the issues that Americans find most important. The results showed that causes to help children and animals are the most popular, followed by education and literacy, services for the elderly, religion, health and medicine, the environment, and aid for disabled people.

Respondents of the survey aged between 18 and 42 were more interested in international causes, and were more likely to be influenced by celebrities such as Oprah and Bono, who work with developing countries to ease poverty. Respondents over the age of 43 were influenced more by older celebrities, such as Bill Gates, who supports health and education issues, and Jimmy Carter, who works with Habitat For Humanity.
42% of those surveyed said they want to donate more time to charity, but cannot find the opportunity.

Johnny's Angels Party For Charity

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:18:34 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Celebrity father of two Johnny Depp is so moved by parenthood that he now takes time to care about all children.

The actor says becoming a parent has given him a “real foundation, a real strong place to stand in life, in work, in everything.”

At his induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame he wore a bracelet in memory of Dustin, a child from the Children's Hospice Coalition, and in 2006, he received the Courage to Care award in recognition of his contributions to the Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

“Johnny Depp embodies the very spirit of the `Courage to Care’ Award because he puts smiles on the faces of thousands of children through his great work on film, and his longtime private advocacy of children and children’s charities is nothing short of inspirational,” says Ms. Fernandez-Farrand, a member of the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Board of Trustees.

His fans certainly find him inspirational, and on November 10th, his philanthropic fan club, Johnny’s Angels, are holding a fundraising party for the Children's Hospice Coalition in New York. For more information, go to Johnny’s Angels on MySpace.

Beckham To Play Charity Soccer Match

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:41:39 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Soccer star David Beckham is to play in a charity match to benefit those affected by the devastating wildfires currently causing havoc in Southern California.

November 4 will see Beckham’s Los Angeles Galaxy team, which he joined in July, take on a celebrity team – known as Hollywood United – with profits going to the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army.

“Everyone’s expected to play, including David,” said Galaxy General Manager, Alexi Lalas. “This is a great opportunity for our organization to do something positive for our area, our home, and for our friends and neighbors who have been impacted by these incredibly devastating wildfires.”

The fires have now been burning out of control on the border between LA and Mexico for two weeks, and over 500,000 people have been forced to leave their homes. During this time, 800 square miles and over 2000 buildings and houses have been destroyed, with 12 people confirmed dead.

“Our players are residents of Southern California,” said Lalas. “This is a great way for us to bring some attention and, most importantly, raise some money.”

The match will take place at Galaxy’s home ground, the Home Depot Center in Carson, and a large turnout is expected. A host of celebrities have stepped forward for the Hollywood United team, including Without A Trace star Anthony LaPaglia, The Transporter’s Jason Statham, former Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, Def Leppard’s Vivian Campbell, and former footballer turned actor, Vinnie Jones.

“We’ve all witnessed the destruction these wildfires have caused throughout Southern California,” said Lalas. “Through soccer, we have the ability to help those who have been impacted by this disaster. We encourage all Galaxy fans and soccer fans everywhere to come out and support this worthy cause.”

The footballers are not the only ones doing their bit for the cause. Singer Gwen Stefani has donated the profits from her concert in San Diego on October 30 to victims of the wildfires.

“When I heard about the devastation of the fires, I felt I should cancel my show out of respect,” said the native of Orange County, California. “But then it occurred to me there might be a more useful solution.”

Stefani announced that the proceeds of the show will go to the San Diego Foundation’s After-The-Fires Fund 2007, which has been set up to provide grants to emergency relief providers and non-profit service organizations involved in the fires

It's A Long Way Down For Charity

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:09:46 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

What was quite possibly the party of the year was held in London on November 8, in celebration of the adventure of a lifetime.

The Long Way Down charity dinner and auction was held to mark the successful completion of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's 15,000 mile motorcycle ride from the most northern point in Scotland to the most southern point of South Africa, an adventure that is now the subject of a television series being shown on BBC2 on Sunday nights, and an action-packed book. A host of celebrities, including Elle Macpherson, James Nesbitt, and Scottish singer Sharleen Spiteri dusted off their best clothes for the event, which included performances by The Magic Numbers and Beth Orton.

The evening raised over $621,000 for the Long Way Down team’s charity partners, including Riders For Health, an organization that has worked for over 15 years to develop delivery systems for healthcare in Africa, as well as CHAS, a Scottish charity committed to providing children’s hospice services, and UNICEF.

“I’ve been involved with CHAS for many years,” said McGregor during the auction event. “It’s the most extraordinary place. 20% of the money raised tonight will go to CHAS, to help the children. They will be very grateful, as will I.”

The top selling item of the evening was a replica of the BMW R1200 motorcycle the pair rode during their journey. The bike, which was painted half in McGregor’s color scheme and half in Boorman’s, sold for an unbelievable $103,000. This was followed by one of the Nissan Nivara support vehicles that completed the trip, which was snapped up for $87,000. Other items included an African holiday for four people which reached $27,000, and a one-of-a-kind Gary Hutchins Edbanger guitar, sold for $18,000. In fact, the guitar proved to be so popular that the company that produced it agreed to make two more, both of which reached the same price.

Several celebrities also donated their own items to the auction, including Jay Kay from British pop group Jamiroquai, whose mountain bike fetched $12,000, slightly more than his personal hovercraft, which reached $10,000. Actor Simon Pegg sold the Nike shoes he wore in his latest movie, “Run Fat Boy Run”, for $3000.

The Long Way Down team is committed to raising as much money as possible for children affected by HIV, poverty, and conflict in Africa, and visited several sites in Libya, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Rwanda where UNICEF works during the adventure. Both McGregor and Boorman hope that the auction will go a long way in achieving that goal.

“We have started a partnership with UNICEF that will continue for a long long time,” said McGregor, who paid $20,000 for six fashion dresses for his wife during the auction. “The people that we met who work for UNICEF, and the children they help, really touched us to our core. I have often thought that where I would say ‘I don’t know what we can do’, UNICEF says ’Here’s what we can do’.”

More information on the epic journey can be found at www.longwaydown.com.

Melissa Gilbert Honored For Hospice Care

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:41:59 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It is a case of give and take for actress Melissa Gilbert this week, as she follows receiving a humanitarian award with an auction to raise money for children with serious illnesses.

The 43-year-old received the Humanitarian Leadership Award at the 2008 National Hospice Foundation Gala last Friday in Washington, DC. The evening, which featured a silent auction, dinner and party, celebrated some of the people who have lent their support to hospice and palliative care over the last year. Gilbert, who is the board president of the Children's Hospice & Palliative Care Coalition and the spokesperson of the Partnering for Children campaign, was awarded the accolade in recognition for her work on behalf of children facing life-limiting conditions.

To follow up on the award, Gilbert is auctioning the opportunity to accompany her to a Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks game in Los Angeles on April 24, including the use of a private luxury suite at Dodger Stadium. The package also includes VIP parking for up to 9 cars, food and drinks, personalized photos of Melissa Gilbert, commemorative silver bracelets, and Dodgers memorabilia… a total value of over $6,500!

100% of the proceeds will go to the Children’s Hospice & Palliative Care Coalition, an organization that aims to ensure that children are treated with respect, dignity, and love within the medical system.

But you had better be quick – the auction ends later today, April 16, and can be accessed via eBay.

Eric McCormack Sees A Cure For Cancer In Our Lifetime

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:07:11 +0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actor Eric McCormack – best known for his lead role in Will And Grace – was in his home province of Ontario recently to promote Canada’s largest funder of cancer research, the Canadian Cancer Society, and its annual Relay For Life overnight walkathon in June that aims to raise $50 million for research to eradicate cancer.

The relay is a unique fundraising event, and last year more than 200,000 people all across Canada walked, ran and strolled around tracks illuminated by nearly half a million luminary candles for 12 hours from dusk till dawn. It raised $47 million to be used for research on all types of cancers, support programs for cancer victims and families, and advocating for public policies that prevent cancer.

Even though he lost his mother to bladder cancer after beating breast cancer decades ago, and despite that his father has been fighting prostate cancer on and off for years, McCormack is convinced that cancer, like Polio, can be a thing of the past.

“Everyone has a cancer story,” says McCormack. “It’s way too common and I think it almost feels like it’s always going to be here. We have to think of cancer as something we can eliminate in our lifetime.”

Cancer is the leading cause of premature death in Canada. In its many forms, it will kill over 70,000 Canadians this year.

“My mom was of that generation that didn’t talk about things openly,” said McCormack. “We have to be that generation that fights it together. This is personal; not just for me – for everybody.”

Texas Helps Children In Scotland

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Scottish singer and founder of the band Texas, Sharleen Spiteri, stepped out for children with cancer in Edinburgh last week.

The 40-year-old singer, whose hits include I Don’t Need A Lover and Once In A Lifetime, visited the youngsters at a hospice in the Scottish capital as part of her support of CLIC Sargent, an organization that provides accommodation for the families of young children who get cancer, giving them and their families a long-term base close to the specialist treatment unit at the Sick Kids Hospital.

“As a mother, it means so much to me to be involved with CLIC Sargent, and I have seen for myself the fantastic work they do for children with cancer and their families in Scotland,” said the singer, who is also the patron of the charity. “I cannot imagine how devastating it must be to be told your child has cancer, and this charity is a real lifeline.”

Stars Become Brokers For BGC Charity Day

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:30:00 +0000

BGC will hold its 4th Annual Global Charity Day on Thursday 11th September.

Consistent with its theme, “Working Globally – Giving Locally”, BGC’s offices around the world will raise money for charity as they commemorate September 11 by reaching out to help others.

In New York, London, Paris, Sydney and Hong Kong, celebrities from the worlds of music, stage, screen and sport will join the company’s brokers to help raise money for a number of selected charities. All of BGC’s global revenues generated from the day’s trading will be donated to charity.

Events will take place around the globe, with celebrities becoming stock brokers for a day. In New York, stars such as Tony Sirico, Donald Trump, Steve Buscemi, Regis Philbin, Matthew Modine, Leighton Meester, and Scott Gomez will become traders on Wall Street, while in London, Prince Charles will join Kevin Spacey and Jerry Hall in the City to trade on the markets.

Charities that will benefit from this year’s Charity Day will include: Barnardo's, Breast Cancer Care, Scope, the Jodie Kidd Foundation, the Prince's Trust, Baby Buggy, the Rainbow Trust, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the Variety Club, the National Down Syndrome Society, the Valerie Fund, the Wounded Warrior Project, Nordoff Robbins, and many more.

The annual Charity Day has raised over $15 million for charities around the world. For more information about this year’s events, visit the BGC website.

Mel B Wants To Spice Up Your Home

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:30:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former Spice Girl Melanie Brown is to auction the contents of her home, including all of her treasured outfits and items from the girl-band era, for charity.

The auction, being run through eBay, will raise money for CLIC Sargent, an organization that cares for young people with cancer and their families both in hospitals and in the community.

Mel B wants to spice up your life by offering you the chance to get your hands on costumes from the recent Return of the Spice Girls tour, the coat from the band’s Stop video, her trademark fake fur outfit consisting of a bikini top and matching mini-skirt, and the outfit she wore when she and her fellow Spice Girls met former South African leader Nelson Mandela.

And if that’s not enough, there’s also a motorbike, a Bechstein baby grand piano, a MTV Cribs dining table, and an assortment of jugs, tables and toasters.

“I feel happy to be able to contribute to such an important cause,” said the 33-year-old singer.

The auction, which starts today and runs until October 26, can be accessed through www.melbsale.com.

Tiger Woods' Caddy Digs Deep For Charity

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:30:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Tiger Woods' philanthropism has rubbed off on those closest to him – his caddy has just donated US$610,000 to a charity in New Zealand.

Steve Williams – who was born in New Zealand and has been Woods’ regular caddy since 1999 – donated the cash to the Starship Foundation in Auckland to go towards a new US$3 million cancer ward being built in the Starship Children’s Hospital, the country’s largest facility for sick kids.

The hospital treats nearly 70 percent of child cancer patients in the country but hospital authorities say the medical facilities are well below standard. Williams and his wife, Kirsty, spent a day at the hospital last year meeting many families in the cancer ward, and felt a donation was needed.

“It was impossible not to get emotional,” said the 44-year-old. “I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have a child diagnosed with cancer and then have to go through the long treatment process.”

Williams donated the cash from his Steve Williams Foundation which traditionally supports junior golf projects.

Pick Up Celebrity Hand-Me-Downs For Charity

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It’s time to start thinking about Christmas shopping again, and this might just be the answer you’ve been searching for.

Celeb2nds.com has a whole swag of exciting items donated by your favorite stars – including Jamie Oliver's apron, Donny Osmond's dressing gown, Duran Duran's drum kit, Kelly Osbourne's dress, a card signed by David Tennant, Beverley Knight's gold disc, and much more.

“Celeb2nds.com is an exciting new concept that allows users to get their hands on money can’t buy items from their celebrity idols, whilst raising money for some very worthy charities,” said site founder Steve Howell, who established the initiative in 2006.

80% of the proceeds from the site go to charity, with organizations such as Children with AIDS, Plan, Dial a Dream, Rainbow Trust, Elephant Family, Richard House, Kids Company, and Whizz-Kidz all benefiting.

Absolutely everything the site auctions is 100% authenticated, obtained through the correct channels and backed up by a certificate of authenticity signed by the celebrity or by one of the celebrities representatives.

Win Jessica Alba's Handbag

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Throughout November, make-up giant Revlon will be donating a percentage of their profits to Rainbow Trust, a children’s charity which provides support to families dealing with terminal or life threatening illnesses. And to celebrate, they are running a competition to win Jessica Alba's handbag.

As part of the month-long initiative, Revlon has also teamed up with In Style magazine to auction off bags signed by some of Hollywood’s favorite starlets – including Keira Knightley, Elle Macpherson, Claudia Schiffer and Thandie Newton, Sharon Osbourne, and Eva Green – at a champagne tea event at The Berkeley hotel ballroom on the 4 November.

“This is going to be a fun, über glam event which will raise lots of money for an incredibly good cause,” said Trish Halpin, editor of In Style. “After all – what woman doesn’t want a fantastic handbag?”

“Revlon are proud to be working alongside In Style Magazine to hold the UK’s first-ever In Style Handbag Auction to raise money for the Rainbow Trust Charity,” added Scott Peterson, commercial director UK & Ireland for Revlon. “This amazing event is perfectly suited to Revlon’s heritage of contemporary glamour and iconic beauty. We are also pleased to bring this event to life in-store through our partnership with Boots to raise even more money and grateful to our spokeswoman Jessica Alba for donating her designer bag for the Boots customers to win.”

More information about the competition and auction can be found at the In Style website.

Jennifer Hudson To Set Up Charity Foundation

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The family of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson has announced that a new foundation for families of murder victims is to be established.

The Hudson-King Foundation for Families of Slain Victims will be set up in honor of Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew, who were murdered earlier this week.

“The specific purpose of the Foundation is to care for the needs of families who have lost relatives to a violent crime,” said a statement released by Hudson’s family. “This encompasses their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter as well as grief counseling.”

Contact information for the new Foundation is:
Hudson-King Foundation, c/o Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP, Attention: William L. Abrams, Esq., 237 W. 35th St. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10001.

Jonas Brothers To Launch the 2008 Red Kettle Campaign

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:30:00 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

On November 27th, the Jonas Brothers will become the latest in the long line of artists to kick off The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Christmas Campaign.

The band is excited to perform at halftime during the Dallas Cowboys’ nationally televised Thanksgiving Day game against the Seattle Seahawks, with Nick Jonas saying, “I was born in Dallas, which makes performing with my brothers at the Cowboys’ halftime on Thanksgiving an incredible honor.”

“This year, more than ever, the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign will make a huge impact for families at Christmas and throughout the year. It’s very important for us to give back,” Joe Jonas added.

The campaign has raised more than $1 billion since its partnership with the football team began back in 1997. Funds raised help the Salvation Army serve 30 million people each year nationwide, with last year’s campaign raising a record $118 million.

Previous artists to perform include Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Destiny’s Child, Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes, Jessica Simpson, Randy Travis and Reba McEntire.

Lucy Lawless, The Warrior Bed-Making Champion

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It may not be exactly what you would expect from a warrior princess, but Xena star Lucy Lawless took part in a charity bed making competition for a children’s hospital last week.

The star was in her native New Zealand to raise money for the Starship Foundation, the fundraising branch of New Zealand’s biggest pediatric hospital, the Starship Children’s Hospital. The 40-year-old raced against the clock in front of hospital staff and patients in the contest to see who could make the neatest bed in 2 minutes. The contest was judged by Starship Foundation Vice Chair Rosie Horton and past oncology patient Ruby Seeto, with Lawless coming first equal with the CEO of Lorraine Lea Linen – who was at the event to make a $115,000 donation to the Starship Oncology Rebuild project.

“The donation from Lorraine Lea Linen is a great way to acknowledge this huge contribution to our cause,” said Starship Foundation CEO Andrew Young. “We’re so grateful that even our Australian counterparts are getting on board for this worthy project.”

The new oncology ward will provide eight single inpatient rooms for pre-teen patients who need the space to recover away from much younger patients.

Grab Heidi Klum's Jacket For 15 Below

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fancy slipping into a jacket signed by supermodel Heidi Klum or Sir Elton John? Now’s your chance – the 15 Below Project’s charity auction has been extended.

The 15 Below Project is an initiative between clothes designers TAXI and The Salvation Army to create a cheap but high quality jacket for the homeless.

“It’s a lifeline for people without homes. They’re a pretty low-cost, immediate way to address a huge issue,” said Paul Lavoie, co-founder, chairman, and chief creative officer of TAXI. “Our approach to solving problems – of any sort – has always been to question convention. This won’t eliminate homelessness, but it can make a lot of people more comfortable.”

Since November, celebrity-signed 15 Below jackets have been on auction, with stars such as Michael Stipe, Kid Rock, Robert Plant, Michael Caine, Jon Stewart and Nelly Furtado autographing the items. Although those auctions have finished, Klum and Sir Elton have now come to the party by donating signed jackets.

But wait – there’s more! Klum hasn’t only donated a jacket, but has also included two pairs of jeans from the clothing line she designed for Jordache.

These auctions end on December 11. The jackets have multiple pockets and are both warm and waterproof. When not being worn, the jacket can be folded into a backpack for easy transportation, or used as a pillow. To bid on Heidi Klum’s jacket and jeans, click here, and for Sir Elton’s item, click here.

Mel B Sells Out For Charity

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Since Spice Girls singer Melanie Brown was moving herself from the UK to the US, she found that keeping her English manor’s contents was one household too many – so she auctioned everything on eBay and donated the proceeds to CLIC Sargent.

Brown’s motorbike, grand piano, furniture, clothing and Spice Girl paraphernalia translated into thousands of pounds for the children’s cancer charity. Where every day ten children are diagnosed with cancer, CLIC Sargent aims to provide financial and practical support to families through specialist care in hospital and home.

Brown was proud to contribute to something meaningful, Evening News 24 reported. “The older you get, the more you realise that if people are giving you something, you have a responsibility to do something in return, by lending your time and name and support.”

New Zealand Rugby Star Illustrates Children's Book

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Rugby hero and All Black Keven Mealamu has teamed with creative kids from Room 22 at Colwill School in West Auckland, New Zealand, for a new children’s book as part of Barfoot & Thompson’s Magic of Reading program.

Earlier this year, kids from the school came up with a creative concept for a children’s book and entered a contest to have their story work-shopped with children’s writer John Parker and illustrated by Keven Mealamu.

‘Room 22 and Jumbo, the Monster Caterpillar,’ is a colorful 32-page book which sells for just $10, with all proceeds benefiting the Starship Foundation.

Keven Mealamu, who is Barfoot & Thompson’s Magic of Reading Ambassador, admits to being a bit nervous at first.

“I’ve never illustrated a book before and had no idea what story concept the winning class would come up with – I was hoping for something that was easy to draw! The story of Jumbo the caterpillar has been great fun to illustrate.”

Barfoot & Thompson fully funded the publication and is donating copies to the Starship Hospital who provide each child who is admitted with their own book to read and take home with them. B&T Managing Director Peter Thompson says, “We’re thrilled that more than 70 schools from across Auckland and Northland entered our inaugural storybook competition – and we’re so pleased with the result that we’re planning to make it an annual event.”

Several of Mealamu’s original artworks used in the production of the book have been framed and are up for auction on Trade Me along with 20 signed copies of the book- all auction proceeds also go to the Starship Foundation.

More info can be found here.

Buy Once Give Twice With The Spice Girls

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former Spice Girl Melanie Brown is holding a New Years Sale for charity.

Fans of the singer can get their hands on a range of items such as her bikini top, tea cups, coasters, curtains, glasses, ornaments, cushions, shoes, bowls, trousers, shirts – almost anything you could wish for.

Proceeds from the sale will go to CLIC Sargent, a charity that aims to provide financial and practical support to families through specialist care in hospital and home.

The auction ends on January 22 and can be accessed here.

And Mel B isn’t the only Spice Girl selling her stuff for charity at the moment: Melanie C is auctioning the shoes she wore at the launch of the Spice Girls reunion tour.

The size 39 black Carvela suede high heels with peep toes come with a signed certificate from the singer: “These shoes were special to me because… I wore them on a very special day, the launch of the Spice Girls re-union tour, they brought me lots of luck.”

Proceeds from the sale will go to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, the only charity in the UK wholly dedicated to defeating lung cancer, the biggest cancer killer in the world.

“Dancing has been such a big part of my life, so I jumped at the chance to help De-Feet Lung Cancer,” said Melanie C. “There are so many ways you can get your feet involved in fundraising. So please join me – put your best foot forward and be part of the ‘De-Feet’ fun!”

The auction runs until January 12 and can be accessed through Buy Once Give Twice.

Kim Kardashian Throws Shoes For Charity

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Kim Kardashian was amongst the stars at the first ever Celebrity Shoe Throwing event in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Held at the Rancho Park Golf Course, the event was organized by Dubai.TV host Janeen Mansour to benefit The Salvation Army.

“No other non-profit organization has the range of social services to help the needy like the Salvation Army,” said Mansour.

The event was inspired by the infamous “shoe throwing incident” that involved President Bush recently, and an invitation to take part was sent to the White House. Although the President declined to attend, several other stars joined Kardashian in throwing shoes for charity, including Adrienne Bailon, Eduardo Antonio Garcia (No Country for Old Men_) and Kelly Gills (_C.S.I. Miami).

The event consisted of several different shoe throwing competitions, with celebrities and members of the public supplying their own footwear missiles.

“Donations of money and goods are down but there is a swelling need and that is a challenge,” Salvation Army Maj. Henry Graciani told Dailynews.com.

Jackie Chan Donates Coats To The Elderly

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jackie Chan attended a ceremony in Hong Kong earlier this week to hand over warm clothes to the city’s elderly.

The donation was made in association with North Face and The Salvation Army's Coats for the Elderly campaign, and included over 300 down jackets. Chan has donated the jackets every January for the last few years.

“About ten years ago I was shocked to read in my local Hong Kong newspaper that some elderly people had died because of the cold weather,” he said. “I couldn’t believe that in such a modern city, people were still suffering and that we were not doing more to care for our elderly citizens. I immediately arranged to donate warm coats to seniors and I have been doing it every year since then. If I am in Hong Kong in the winter months, I will personally go and donate the clothes. If I cannot be there, I will make sure that my staff distributes warm coats. I know that people all over the world suffer because of the cold, and I can’t help everyone, but at least I can take care of some people in my own hometown. It is my hope that I can set an example for others and move them to take a look around their own hometowns and see how they can help.”

Bid On A Signed Johnny Depp Jersey For Charity

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

What’s better than a Johnny’s Angels jersey? A Johnny’s Angels jersey autographed by Johnny Depp himself!!

Johnny’s Angels is a group set up by fans of Johnny Depp who were inspired by the many good deeds the actor does and hopes to inspire others to help children, especially young cancer patients, by performing acts of kindness. The group is proud to announce their latest fundraising initiative – a charity auction featuring a jersey signed by the man himself.

“We have been inspired by Johnny Depp, and now we would like to inspire YOU,” says the group’s website. “Johnny’s Angels: Depp Fans for Charity is a meaningful way for Depp fans to honor an actor whose talent and humanity have inspired so many.”

The auction will only run this weekend, January 30 to February 1, with all proceeds going to the Children's Hospice & Palliative Care Coalition.

“I wish to express my extreme gratitude to all at Johnny’s Angels, and the wonderful effort made for a cause that is indeed something I hold dear,” wrote Depp in a letter to the organization last year. “Your kindness will benefit those in need at a time when they will appreciate it most… Your generosity of spirit knows no bounds, and for that I am eternally in your debt. I am honored and humbled by you all.”

The auction can be accessed here.

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